The MLB trade deadline ends on July 31st, and it is looking like the Mets are going to be sellers during the deadline drama.
Sources told the New York Daily News that the Mets are shopping three relievers, top closer Francisco Rodrgiuez, Jason Isringhausen, and Tim Byrdak.
First off, it is hard to believe Byrdak will be traded to any team because he is the only lefty in the bullpen at this time. He has pitched great, and if the Mets are in fact out of the playoffs by the trade deadline, he may go. The possibility is slim in my opinion, and the Mets are still contending in the wild card at 2 games over .500. He has had his ups and downs, but when he is up, he is very good, and could be very good down the stretch for a contending team.
Jason Isringhausen has also pitched very well in the set-up role this season with 15 holds. He surprisingly came back from injuries and is now 38 years old. For a contending team, he can be a very good pitcher out of the bullpen to use some innings up.
Fransico Rodriguez is the most obvious player to get traded. The Mets would love to get rid of him, and many of the fans would like that too. Rodriguez's 2012 contract option vests if he finishes 55 games (on pace to do so). He also has a $3.5 million buyout owed to him if his option does not vest. He could be a huge helper for a contending team as he can take on the set-up man role or closer rule. As much as Mets fans hate him, he does have nasty stuff.
Will Carlos Beltran, David Wright, and Jose Reyes be on the Mets on August 1st?
Carlos Beltran is also another question mark. He has done very well this season, and his knees have held up very well. He has made the all-star game this season, when he was only expected to play 3 games a week. For a team with great pitching in the playoffs who need one more bat in their line-up, Beltran could be a huge help. He has been very good in playoff play, where he is batting .366 in two playoff appearances (04, 06).
David Wright also has one more year on his contract after this season. It is very unlikely he moves because of his injuries, but the Mets might have to let go of Wright to keep Reyes. Wright has been quoted in saying he expects himself and his fellow teammate Jose Reyes to be together on the left side of the diamond in 2013.
Jose Reyes is the player that most likely will not be traded during this trade deadline drama. Jose has made it clear that he wants to make any contract moves by the end of the season. No team would trade their prospects to the Mets for Reyes without getting Reyes to sign a contract extension. The Mets have also reportedly are looking to give Reyes about $20 M a year and will try anything to get him.
As much as fans want to see Mike Pelfrey leave, even contenders won't want his "garbage". It is highly unlikely that he leaves the Mets during the trade deadline, but don't block that possibility out yet, especially if Johan Santana makes a quicker return by July 30th, the trade deadline.
Starting with Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw on July 7th, the Mets will have to face 7 straight all-star pitchers. Those games will decide if the Mets are going to be buyers or sellers on July 31st.
What players do you think will leave, and who are going to stay? Will the Mets be buyers or sellers? Who do you want to see traded the most?
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